Mario & Friends Come to Build-A-Bear Workshop

Why just build a bear when you can build a Bowser?

Nintendo of Canada, in conjunction with Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., have announced a new licensing partnership that will kick off at Build-A-Bear Workshops across the United States, the United Kingdom, and of course, Canada.

“Bringing beloved characters like Mario, Yoshi and Bowser to Build-A-Bear aligns our shared goal of engaging kids and families in fun and new ways,” said Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Tom Prata. “Now, even the youngest member of the family can interact with Nintendo by creating their own powered-up furry friend.”

Indeed, fans of the Mario series will be able to create their very own 16-inch Mario Bear ($28*) or Yoshi ($25.50*), or a 15-inch Bowser ($35*). They can be further enhanced with sound chips that play the Super Mario Bros. theme song or five distinctly Koopa Kingly sounds from the maw of Bowser himself ($7 each*).

Other options include a pre-stuffed plush of Toad ($10.50*), the option to dress a bear in two-piece Princess Peach or Luigi costumes ($16 each*), or deck them out in a red Super Mario branded hoodie with a picture of Mario and Yoshi on the front ($10*). You can also top them off with a three-piece set of Super Mario wrist accessories that includes a Super Star, Super Mushroom, and Yoshi Egg ($8.50*).

“Super Mario is a classic game franchise many of our Guests know and love, and we’ve had a lot of fun bringing these characters into furry friend form,” said Build-A-Bear Workshop chief product officer Jennifer Kretchmar. “Like Build-A-Bear, Nintendo’s characters appeal to everyone, so we couldn’t wait to team up for the first time and offer another way for Guests to enjoy the timeless brand.”

To get a better look at everything that’s available and even order online (Bowser is only available in select stores and online), check out Build-A-Bear’s page here. To find your nearest Build-A-Bear Workshop, click here.

* Build-A-Bear Workshop doesn’t appear to have a dedicated Canadian website, but it did recognize that I’m in Canada, and these are the prices displayed when visiting.